ART
Decatur Airport Exhibit – June
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring Barbara Dove’s oil paintings, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Library Exhibit – June
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Barn Colony Artists’ Exhibit of mixed media works, library hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Rock Springs Exhibit – June
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring the photography of Alan and Chris Perry in the North Gallery and Kattina Williams in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.
First Friday – June 5
Gallery 510 Exhibit – June
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday 6/5 opening reception featuring Jessica Disbrow’s impressionistic paintings, refreshments served, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
CHILE & ARGENTINA: Neighboring Cultures – June 5-July 30
Opening Cultural Event – June 5
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Colorful exhibit celebrates the blending of ancient traditions. Family-friendly opening event 6/5 with live music, dance, and tango instruction, cuisine, and native craft making, 5-7:30pm, free. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm & Sa 10am-4pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Family Art Night – June 6
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Discover different artists, techniques, and mediums, stations set up with materials for projects, snacks included, all ages, 6-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
Decatur Airport Exhibit – July
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring the paintings of Nicole Christison, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Library Exhibit – July
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring the paintings of Jessica Disbrow, library hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Rock Springs Exhibit – July
Rock Springs Nature Center, Exhibit Hall, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring the paintings of Sue Watts in the North Gallery and the photography of Jerry Sievers in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.
First Friday – July 10
Gallery 510 Exhibit – July
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday 7/10 opening reception featuring Jim Hill’s photographs, refreshments served, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours, Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
Gallery Walk – July 10
3 Downtown Art Galleries: Madden Arts Center’s Anne Lloyd Gallery and Blue Connection Gallery, 125 N. Water St. and Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. Walk around the block for art, artist talks, live music, and refreshments, families welcome, 5-7:30pm, free, 217-423-3189.
LIVE MUSIC
Chill on the Hill – June & July
Fletcher Park in Mt. Zion. $4 general admission/children under 12 free.
6/11 – Shot Gun & Lace
6/18 – Misconduct
6/25 – Jac Freeze Band
7/2 – Imagine That Band
7/9 – Eric Burgett
7/16 – Plan B
7/23 – Third Shift
7/30 – Chris Cavanaugh
Season of Celebration Concert Series – June 5, 26 & July 10, 31
Central Park, Downtown Decatur. Friday night concerts feature festival food, drinks, games, and music to celebrate Decatur Celebration’s 30th Anniversary, sales proceeds benefit Decatur Celebration, 6-11pm, free, 217-423-4222.
6/5 – Member’s Only, 80s Tribute Band
6/26 – Dr. Zhivegas, St. Louis Partyrock Dance Band
7/10 – Matt Carter Band, Americana Indie Rock Band
7/31 – The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Country Blues Band
Blues in Central Park
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. The 15th year of free outdoor concerts presented by Decatur Magazine, bring a lawn chair and your appetite for great blues, BBQ, and beer, food and beverage vendors open 6pm, free concert 7-10pm, for more information click here.
6/18 – Howard & the White Boys, from Chicago
7/16 – Markey Blue, from Nashville
Decatur Municipal Band Concerts – May 24 & June 8-July 27
The 158th annual family friendly summer band concerts, some seating available or bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, Su 5/24 12pm, M’s 7pm in Downtown Decatur’s Central Park, Su’s 6pm in Fairview Park’s Large Pavilion, free, 217-422-9168.
LSB Music Events – June & July
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., outdoor events are weather permitting, 9pm-1am (except 7/11), 217-429-7411.
6/5 – Plan B
6/12 – Solar Cadet
6/20 – Salt Rock Jones Band
7/11 – Oakwood Street Party
7/17 – Old Smoke Band
7/18 – Hot Bag O Doughnuts
7/25 – Juke House
Shake the Lake Concert Series – June 12, 26 & July 4, 10, 17, 24
Nelson Park (except 7/17 at Hickory Point). Live concerts in the park, presented by the Decatur Park District and Neuhoff Media, 6pm, free, 217-422-5911.
Oakwood Street Festival – July 11
Oakland Avenue. Live music, food & games at the corner of South Oakland and Wood St. Find us on Facebook for the list of bands and performance times.
THEATER & DANCE
Summer Mainstage Shows
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, dates and show times vary, $, 217-728-7375.
6/3-14 – Mary Poppins
6/17-28 – Hairspray, rated PG
7/1-12 – Swing!
7/5-26 – The Wizard of Oz
7/29-8/9 – The Addams Family, rated PG
Walkin’ With Cash – June 13
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. A celebration of the life and music of the American icon and Man in Black Johnny Cash, 7pm, $, 217-422-7300.
MEN are from MARS, WOMEN are from VENUS Live – June 19
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. The smash hit theatrical comedy based on the best-selling book by John Gray, starring John Frusciante, 7:30pm, $, 217-422-7300.
YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS
Youth Band Concerts – July
Decatur Park District’s Greater Decatur Youth Band performances, 6pm, free, www.millikin.edu/bands or 217-424-6309.
7/1 – Kiwanis Park
7/15 – Cresthaven Park
7/22 – Millikin University Quad
Party in the Park Preview Concert – July 17
Location TBA. B.O.S.S. performances with surprise guests featuring highlights from their upcoming shows, 12-12:45pm, free, 217-422-5911.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark – July 31
Decatur Civic Center, Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Performance by the young B.O.S.S., Jr. actors ages 6-11, 7pm, $, 217-422-5911.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open House –
June 3-July 29
421 W. William St. Visit the historic Decatur landmark and beautifully restored Victorian home of the Illinois governor, every W’S & Sa’S, & 2 Su’s 6/28 & 7/26, 2-4pm, $, 217-423-7708.
Bethel School Open House – June 6 & July 4
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco. Tour one of Macon County’s last one-room schoolhouses, circa 1890, now restored as a museum, 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Dulcimer Music – June 6, 20 & July 18
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln., 10am-12pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Grand Reopening: Macon County History Museum – June 20
Macon County History Museum, 5580 N. Fork Rd. See museum renovations and new exhibits including, “Aviation in Macon County,” 12-4pm, $, 217-422-4919.
Homestead Prairie Farm Tours – June & July
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Tour the historic 1860’s home and farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sa’s & Su’s 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Blue Grass Music Jams – June 14 & July 12
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Enjoy old time tunes by local musicians, 1-4pm free, 217-423-7708.
One Hundred Years Ago: The Great War – June 21
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Presented by Dr. Dan Guillory of Millikin University, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Independence Day 1860 – June 27
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Celebrate our nation’s birthday 1860’s style with a vintage baseball game, Homestead Prairie Farm tours, historic games, concert, and ice cream social, 12-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
James Millikin Homestead Tours – June 28 & July 26
125 S. Pine St. Tour the beautiful historic Victorian mansion that belonged to one of Decatur’s leading citizens, circa 1875, 2-4pm, $, 217-767-1050.
Theater & Popular Entertainment in 19th Century America – July 19
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Presented by Dr. Christopher J. Mitchell of Eastern Illinois University, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
NATURE & GARDENS
Into the Wild: Canoeing 202 – June 6
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Canoe a small pond with professionals, learn canoeing techniques, and maneuver a floating obstacle course, 10, 11am, 12, 1, or 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Pollination Celebration – June 6
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem, hosted by the Glacier’s Edge Master Naturalists, 8:45am-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-877-6042.
Aquatic Critters – June 7 & July 12
Collect live crayfish, frogs, and small fish from the ponds and streams, 7-8:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
6/7 – Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco.
7/12 – Fort Daniel Conservation Area, 4975 Fort Daniel Rd.
Frog and Toad Shows – June 11 & July 9
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. See, feel, and watch these amphibians, 5:30-7pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Family Hikes
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Reservations required, 217-423-7708.
6/13 – National Get Outdoors Day, 2pm, free
6/21 – Night Hike, 10-11:30pm, $
7/4 – Red, White and Blue, 2pm, free
7/11 – Keeping Your Cool, 10am-12pm, free
7/18 – Night Hike, 10-11:30pm, $
2015 Garden Walk – June 14
Various gardens, Decatur area. Annual self-guided garden tour showcasing six unique Decatur gardens, presented by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, 2-6pm, $, tickets required, 217-877-6042.
Into the Wild: Keeping Your Cool – July 11
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover wild, native animal survival techniques and hike into their natural habitats, door prizes, 10am-12pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Victorian Gardens Presentation & Dinner – July 14
South Side Country Club, 1650 Cottage Dr. A 90th anniversary celebration for the Garden Club of Decatur, 5:30pm, $, reservations required, Kathysorensen1@comcast.net
Hummingbird Festival – July 21
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Adopt a hummingbird, witness the banding process, and help release it back into the wild, 4-7pm, free admission, $ to adopt hummingbirds, 217-423-7708.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
Free Zoo Admission Thursdays – June 4-July 30
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Free admission to Scovill Zoo every Thursday in June and July, last admission one hour before closing, Th’s 9:30am-6pm, free, 217-421-7435.
Movie Nights at Fletcher Park – June 5 & July 24
Fletcher Park, 400 S. Henderson St., Mt. Zion. Family friendly movies outdoors at dusk, free, $ for concessions, 217-864-5424.
6/5 – Smurfs 2
7/24 – The Sandlot
Theatre for Young Audiences
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, 10:30am, dates vary, $, 217-728-7375.
6/5-6/13 – Pinkalicious
7/3-7/11 – Jack & the Beanstalk
7/17-25 – Winnie the Pooh
7/31-8/8 – The Princess & the Pea
Children’s Garden Day – June 7
Rock Springs Conservation Area, Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Ln. Explore heirloom vegetable and herb gardens with an expert gardener, activity and craft included, for ages 6-12 with adult buddy, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Fairy Garden Tea Party – June 13
Mari-Mann Herbs, 1405 Mari Mann Ln. The 29th annual tea party held in memory of Maribeth King with stories, chimes, fairy-dust and a full English High Tea, 10am-12pm, $, reservations required, 217-429-1555.
One Year Celebration – June 14
ASP n More, 2926 N. Oakland Ave. ASP’s one-year anniversary event with bounce houses, hot dogs, costumed characters, and vendors, 12-4pm, $, 217-358-5228.
All American Girl & Friends Tea Party – June 19
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Dress your best and bring your favorite doll or furry friend to the tea party, for ages 6 and older, 5-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
Dads’ Day Dollar Deals – June 21
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Celebrate Father’s Day with special $1 deals on admission, train rides, carousel rides, and more, 9:30am-6pm, $, 217-421-7435.
Evening Campfire – June 26 & July 24
Hear stories, play games, and roast marshmallows, 8-10pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
6/26 – Griswold Conservation Area, 9896 Meridian Rd., Blue Mound.
7/24 – Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco.
Farm to Table – June 30 & July 2
Richland Community College, Shilling Center, 1 College Pk. A 4-H program with Chef Rogiers cooking food straight from the farm, for ages 8-12, 1-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-877-6042.
Lego Glow in the Dark Pizza Party – July 10
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Glow in the dark fun building, racing, and playing with Legos, pizza, snacks, games, and art activities, for ages 6 and older, 6-9pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
Ice Cream Safari – July 19
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. A wild safari through the zoo while sampling ice cream at various stations, presented by Prairie Farms Dairy, 1-4pm, $, 217-421-7435.
Kidstock – July 25
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Arts, crafts, and music festival for the whole family, 10am-5pm, $, www.CMofIL.org for concert times, 217-423-5437.
Family Camp-out – July 31
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Camp-out at Rock Springs with hot dogs, drinks, s’mores. and campfire provided, bring your own or use one of Rock Springs’ tents, must have at least one adult per tent, 7pm-10am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS
Tuesday Night Park Runs – June 9-July 28
Fairview Park, Pavilion #1, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Weekly family event includes half-mile Tot Trot, one-mile fun run, or various distance runs, for all ages and skill levels, prize drawings, Tu’s, registration 5:30pm, runs 6pm, $, 217-429-3472.
Canoe the Sangamon – June 14 & July 19
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. All equipment provided for a paddle down the river, must have at least one adult per canoe, 5-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
4-H Get Fit – June 15-18 & 22-25
Decatur Family YMCA, 220 W. McKinley Ave. Join Macon Country 4-H for fun fitness exercise daily with yoga, zumba, piloxing, karate, and more, healthy snacks provided, for ages 8-18, 2-3pm, $, reservations required, 217-877-6042.
Family Golf Pro Tips Night – June 17-July 29
Hickory Point Golf Course, 727 W. Weaver Rd. Join golf professionals for tips on the driving range and putting green, all skill levels, unlimited range balls, W’s 6-7pm, $ (family rates), 217-421-7444.
Midnight Fishing – June 19 & July 17
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Bring your equipment to fish the Cattail Ponds at night, for ages 8 and older, fishing licenses required for ages 16 and older, 10pm-12am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
3D Archery – June 20 & July 18
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Life-like targets, basic instruction provided, bring your own equipment or use the Nature Center’s, for ages 10 and older, 5-7pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Staley Striders Track & Field Club – June 22-July 29
Fairview Park Tennis Complex, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Student athletes ages 6 and older focus on short and long-distance running techniques and field events, M’s & W’s 4:30-5:30pm, Tu’s 5:30-6:30pm, $, 217-429-3472.
Staley Firecracker Road Run/Walk – July 4
Nelson Park, Rock Garden Parking Lot, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Annual 4-mile or 8-mile run, 2-mile fun run/walk, or half- mile kids run, first 300 entrants receive tee shirt, check-in 6:45-7:30am, kids run 7:30am, race 8am, $, 217-429-3472.
FESTIVALS, FOOD & FAIRS
Macon County Fair – June 9-14
Macon County Fair Grounds, 3700 N. Westlawn Ave. Carnival, go cart racing, truck and tractor pulls, Havener rodeo, demolition derby, live music, and more, visit www.maconcountyfair.com , Tu-F gates open 5pm, Sa & Su gates open 1pm, $, 217-875-0135.
Blue Ribbon Night – July 3
Fletcher Park, 400 S. Henderson St., Mt. Zion. Family-oriented festival with live music by Third Shift, food vendors and fireworks display, 217-864-5424.
4th of July Festivities – July 4
Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Decatur Park District Independence Day celebration, family friendly activities, concert 7pm, fireworks display at dusk, free, 217-422-5911.
Mari-Mann Party-Q – July 27
Mari-Mann Herbs, 1405 Mari Mann Ln. Chef Brian Pehr prepares a BBQ meal, 6-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-429-1555.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Saturday Produce Market – June 6-September 26
Richland Community College, under the wind turbine, 1 College Park. Fresh fruits and vegetables for sale, grown by students and local farmers, managed by Richland Student Farms, Sa’s 8am-12pm, $ to purchase goods, 217-875-7211 ext. 577.
Farmers Market – June 6-October 31
Downtown Decatur. Illinois’ oldest farmers market with farm fresh produce grown by local farmers, Sa’s 8am-12pm, $ to purchase goods, 217-428-3380 or 217-520-5098.
Scrappin’ Saturday – June 20 & July 25
Fletcher Park, Recreation Center, 400 S. Henderson St. Bring your crafting supplies, snacks and drinks provided by the Park and Recreation Department, 10am-10pm, $, 217-864-5424.
Charity Datebook
Season of Celebration Concert Series – June 5, 26 & July 10, 31
Central Park, Downtown Decatur. Friday night concerts feature festival food, drinks, games, and music to celebrate Decatur Celebration’s 30th Anniversary, sales proceeds benefit Decatur Celebration, 6-11pm, free, 217-423-4222.
6/5 – Member’s Only, 80s Tribute Band
6/26 – Dr. Zhivegas, St. Louis Partyrock Dance Band
7/10 – Matt Carter Band, Americana Indie Rock Band
7/31 – The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Country Blues Band
Purple Run – June 6
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2727 N. Union. 5K Run/2K Run-Walk. 9:00 am. $25. 217-875-3656. All proceeds benefit Project Purple Scholarship Fund in memory of Gayle D. Sablotny.
Community Blood Drives – June 10 & 11
Register at the Central Illinois Community Blood Center or walk-in’s are welcome, for ages 16 or older with 16 year olds needing parental consent, free, 217-241-7550.
6/10 – Decatur Memorial Hospital, 10am-2pm
6/11 – HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, 10am-4pm
Dinner on the Hill – June 13
Fletcher Park, 400 S. Henderson St. Italian cuisine with Angelo’s grilled steaks, cash bar, acoustic band sounds from Plan B, and the movie 50 First Dates shown on the big outdoor screen, benefit to raise funds for the park’s new Splash Pad, dinner 7pm, music 7:30-9pm, movie 9pm, $, 217-864-5424.
Second Saturday Book Sales – June 13 & July 11
Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St. Sale of used books, cds, dvds, and other items, proceeds benefit literacy programs at the Decatur Public Library, presented by Friends of the Decatur Public Library, 9:30am-12:30pm, free admission, $ to purchase items, 217-424-2900 ext. 133.
Summer Splash – June 19
Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Music by The Boat Drunks, a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, heavy hors d’oeuvres and margaritas, silent auction, proceeds benefit Gallery 510 Arts Guild, Ltd., must be 21 and older, 6-10pm, $, 217- 422-1509.
Children’s Museum of Illinois Reverse Raffle – June 27
Decatur Masonic Temple, 224 W. William St. A night of food and fun, purchase a ticket for the reverse raffle for a chance at $10,000, must be age 21 or older, proceeds benefit Children’s Museum of Illinois, doors open 6pm, dinner 6:30pm, winner drawing 9:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-5437.
Jazz in June – June 28
The Beach House, Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Dinner buffet, cash bar, and jazz by The Millikin Jazz Ensemble, proceeds benefit the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, 6:30-9:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
Richie Hammel Fore on the Floor Car Show – July 4
Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Annual show for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more, concert by Soul Purpose, K-9 demonstration and Hickory River barbecue, held in memory of Decatur’s golf legend Richie Hammel, proceeds benefit the Decatur Park District’s youth sports programs,10am-1:30pm, attendance free, 217-422-5911.
Rodney T. Miller Triathlon – July 11-12
Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Triathlon to commemorate the life and spirit of Rodney T. Miller, Millikin University graduate and state police officer killed in the line of duty, proceeds benefit the Rodney T. Miller Memorial Fund, $ to participate, register at www.decaturtriathlon.com
Relay for Life – July 17-18
Richland Community College, 1 College Park. Overnight annual relay team event to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, to remember loved ones lost, and to fight the disease, Survivor Dinner 4pm, Opening Ceremony 6pm, free admission, $ to participate, 217-433-9348.
Big Obstacle 3K – July 25
Fairview Park, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. A new extreme 3K self-timed obstacle course race made up of military and inflatable obstacles, for ages 16 and older, proceeds benefit Decatur Park District youth sports and United Way of Decatur, 10am-2pm, $ to participate, 217-422-8537.
Blues Festival/Fundraiser – July 25
Pop’s Place, 4335 W. Main St. Several bands, proceeds benefit the Decatur Blues Society’s blues education projects and society operations, 2pm, $, 217-855-4262.
For information on how to include your fund-raising event in the Charity Datebook, contact Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter by email: ArtsEdit@aol.com or call 217-423-0422.